Arsenal have been “offered” Al-Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson by his representatives, according to HITC.
The website claims that the England international, who has been capped 81 times by his country, is looking to end his stay in Saudi Arabia after just six months.
Henderson’s former club Liverpool have also been given the chance to re-sign the player but it is believed that Ajax and Juventus are his most likely destinations at his moment in time.
The two teams are hoping to negotiate a deal with Al-Ettifaq which would see them secure the 33-year-old’s services on loan for the rest of the season.
Why is Henderson looking to leave Saudi Arabia?
It is believed that the midfielder’s primary concern is keeping his place in the England squad for the European Championships this summer.
Henderson’s position is likely to be in jeopardy, with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate keen on including players who play in more competitive leagues.
There is also a chance that Al-Ettifaq’s manager Steven Gerrard, who was the one who championed Henderson’s signature, could be sacked, with his team languishing in mid-table. That would leave the midfielder with few reasons to stay in Saudi Arabia.
Would Arsenal be interested in recruiting Henderson?
The Gunners would prefer to sign the likes of Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, Everton’s Amadou Onana or Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. However, restrictions due to Financial Fair Play mean that securing deals for these players this month is very unrealistic.
Cheaper options will have to be considered to strengthen the midfield but manager Mikel Arteta would probably prefer someone different to Henderson’s age and profile.
You also have to take into account that Arsenal see signing a fullback and a striker as higher priorities for the January transfer window anyway.
